Need help choosing good 1st Revolver for a beginner..

[BabaBlueJay]

I think .44mag, even though one can use .44 special, is not for a newb. Also, no matter what loading used, harder to find and/or more expensive than .38 or .357.

That is a fair point. I removed it, because it likely would be too much recoil for most newer shooters.

 

[challer61]

686/617 pairing in 4” or 6” will do most anything that needs doing and they have enormous aftermarket support

 

[stansdds]

For a first revolver, which might occasionally be carried, I'd pick a 357 Magnum with a barrel length of 3 to 4 inches. For compactness and easier carry, a current production Colt King Cobra or Viper, or a S&W Model 19 or 66. If you don't mind a larger diameter cylinder and a little bigger frame, Colt Python, Ruger GP-100, or S&W 686. With a 357 Magnum revolver, you get more ammo options. Anything from very low recoil 148 grain target wadcutter 38 Special all the way to full power 357 Magnum.